This disclosure discusses the problems associated with preservation of
food products while avoiding undesirable high pressures, additives, or
other chemical treatments. The disclosed invention will reduce spoilage
in food products, particularly liquid food products, by removing
oxidants, enzymes, and killing bacteria without using heat or undesirable
additives. The process of the invention uses a combination of moderate
pressure and reactive gases, such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, or nitrous
oxide to treat food products, and then removes the reactive gases by
purging the food product with an inert gas. The final product is
substantially free of unwanted microorganisms, enzymes, and oxidants that
cause spoilage of the food product.